Partridge Plaque on Appalachian Trail

Two
Norwich alumni have undertaken a project to ensure that the name of Captain
Alden Partridge will be remembered by people hiking the Appalachian
Trail. Partridge, who founded Norwich University in Norwich, Vermont,
in 1819, was an avid pedestrian who hiked hundreds of miles throughout
the region conducting topographical surveys before there were any marked
trails to follow. Norwich alumni Walt Henry ('45) and George Garrison
('42) recently completed an effort to have a plaque commemorating this
innovative educator and extraordinary leader placed on the Appalachian
Trail.

Approximately 35 Norwich students, alumni, and friends attended a May
17th ceremony at the Town
of Norwich Historical Society to officially dedicate the memorial
to Partridge.

"We
will always remember that it was in this town that our founder, Captain
Alden Partridge, brought forth his vision of a center of education that
would train America's citizen soldiers," said Norwich University
President Richard Schneider during the dedication ceremony. "It was
here that our mission statement was developed and implemented. That mission
still guides us today.

"And it was from Norwich, Vermont, perhaps on this very spot, that
Captain Partridge set out on his many marches and journeys, introducing
students to the natural wonders of New England and the Northeast,"
Schneider said.

Also present at the dedication ceremony were Walt Henry and George Garrison.

"This is a great day to be here together and to see so many people
who are interested in Alden Partridge," Garrison said. The member
of the class of 1942 explained that the idea for the memorial to Partridge
originated when his friend and fellow alumnus, Walt Henry, read a book
by author Bill Bryson.

"Bryson
was writing about his travels around New England, and he said there ought
to be a plaque to Alden Partridge somewhere in Norwich, Vermont, to inspire
the few hardy hikers still heading north at this point on the Appalachian
Trail," Garrison said. "When Walt told me about this, I was
chairman of the Board of Fellows and he was on the board. Walt suggested
that we should take care of getting a plaque placed on the trail, and
we worked for four years to get this project done.

"We feel it is a wonderful tribute to Alden Partridge," Garrison
said. "Norwich University, the values it promotes, and the leadership
it has given this nation since 1819, started with the vision of Alden
Partridge, a true leader whose accomplishments we honor today."